The Big Book of Spy Stuff

by Bart King

From chaos to counter-intelligence, and secret messages to gadgets,  The Big Book of Spy Stuff  opens top-secret files on sabotage and espionage with humor and amazement. 

With King's entertaining book as a guide, you can pull the cloak of mystery away from history's sneakiest sneaks ... and can work on your own spy activities! But before you're granted a security clearance, take a good look around. Somebody might be watching you right now!

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Humor

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

I write funny and educational books for kids and immature adults. In 2026, two of my projects will hit shelves: FATHER HUMOR (a new edition of THAT'S HOW EYE ROLL), and a new Choose Your Own Adventure title that is still untitled.

Jeff Kinney described my CYOA tales in TIME TRAVEL INN as being full of "mind-blowing adventure and heart-stopping thrills!", so I have that going for me.

Back in 2016, Disney-Hyperion published my funny science-fiction novel, THE DRAKE EQUATION. Reviews:
— “This novel has a lot going for it. There’s an immensely likable protagonist and his marvelous twin friends, a school life that feels true —particularly the petty weirdness of other kids— and a mystery that really engages the reader. King tosses a lot of balls in the air, keeping the twists fast and furious, but thankfully, while the protagonist is suitably overwhelmed, the reader isn’t.” San Francisco Review of Books
— "Librarians will find that young readers empathize with the young birdwatcher and his friends.... children will enjoy the school and friendship aspects of the story." Teacher Librarian Magazine
— "Noah is a strong enough character to snag interest and keep it... there's clever humor and a great central protagonist to carry readers along to the end." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
— "A clever sci-fi narrative with an enjoyable main character." Kirkus

I also wrote a Choose Your Own Adventure titled SPIES: MOE BERG, an espionage book titled THE POCKET GUIDE TO SPY STUFF, and THE BIG BOOK OF SUPERHEROES, a humorous guide to becoming a superhero, and then dealing with it.

What else? Oregon State University Press published AN ARCHITECTURAL GUIDEBOOK TO PORTLAND. (It's medium-sized!) Finally, I taught middle school for many years. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to recover from it soon. (I kid; it was the best job I've ever had.)

Reviews

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the secrets of spying all contained in 1 book!!!

[Kpent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun read. Written for grade schoolers (although adults especially will enjoy and learn) with an interest in espionage. :) This would be a very fun book to read and discuss with a bright 8-10 year old. It gives a good platform to discuss some ethical behavior, and also to learn a lot about our country's and other countries' spy agencies. I'd recommend reading it first, if you have children, to determine if and when would be a good time to read it together. Bart King, the author, handles tough reality decently and with a great sense of humour!

[Django · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AWESOME!!!!! This is by far King's best book. It is so cool.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIlarious!!!:)

[Karla Akins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it's still in print. Bought it used. Lots of great ideas for kids and writers.

[Mariska Epstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty boring actually. Has some activities but is more of a history book

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

epic

[Amy Rhoda Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I admit that I abandoned this book, but not because it's terrible. It's actually full of interesting (even useful!) information about spying, espionage and security. I gave up on it because we have the hardcover so it's hard to read while I'm doing stuff (brushing teeth, working out) and because it's kind of silly. The author puts in lots of humorous asides which probably appeal to his target audience but are a little too obvious and lame for me.

But if your kid is into spying, this is a good one. Delphine loved it.

[Raina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Picked this up in February and read it a few times. Made it about 130 pages in, then put it down and never felt inclined to pick it up again. I ADORE this cover, but the insides don't live up. Partially because the audience is a little muddled. I was hoping for some how-to information and/or some great stories. But it's more a few good stories with a lot of bad jokes. Humor befitting upper elementary, but not a lot of content that I could sell in a booktalk. Bummed. Puffy.

[Grumpiestmonkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting info but tries to be too cute

The book would be better if the author was not trying so hard to be clever. The information and anecdotes are interesting, but all the joking just detracts.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly entertaining for a children's book. I few times I even did laugh out loud, and it did contain plenty of information I found really interesting. It's a good book to get kids interested in reading non-fiction.

[Y137]

I won this book from Goodreads giveaways and can't wait for it to arrive. Thanks Goodreads!

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book about spycraft for ages 8 and up, lots of tips and anecdotes about great (and not so great) spies and escapades.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining hodge-podge book about spies; probably best for late elementary school ages.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my 9 year old and 6 year old boys. They loved it, and so did I. It is full of interesting facts and stories.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting stuff. A little too jokey at times.

[Bryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A very funny and interesting book about secrets of spying.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

reminded me of lapis lazuli ore. good book

[Lydiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, a little to sarcastic or even gross at times. Overall, a good read. Learned a lot, anyway.